Boxing sensation Carl Froch is a breath of fresh air

Boxer Carl Froch,the current WBC world super middleweight champion, on a visit to a sports bar in Cannock, meeting fans and signing autographs.

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Wolves chief exec Jez Moxey was among those paying homage. “I think his appeal is his work-rate and he’s never avoided any opponent.

“His dedication to being the best he could be is something to behold.”

Former word champ Richie Woodhall gushed: “Since 2008 he has faced the very best. He’s got to be one of the greatest fighters we’ve produced.” Froch is aware of his lofty status in the sport, and comfortable with his legacy.

He is not one to be moved by syrupy epitaphs and over-the-top tributes.

He will not be drawn on his future, but admits to pondering a life beyond the hurt business.

“I’m in a film,” he revealed while scrawling his name on a stack of gold lame boxing gloves. “It’s going to be called Once Upon A Time In London.

“It’s set in the 1950s, I play a gangster.”

Adding an earthy perspective to the task ahead, Froch added: “I’ll give it a go, see how I get on. I mean, I don’t want star-billing or anything.”

Froch refuses to endorse rumours of impending retirement, but has the air of a man already basking in the glow of past achievements: of great nights, of great victories over great fighters such as Mikkel Kessler, Jermaine Taylor, Robin Reid and Arthur Abraham.

“Boxing has got to make business sense,” he admitted. “But I’ve never been motivated by money, I’ve always been motivated by the sport. I’ve never asked how much I’m being paid because I don’t box for money.

“How about Joe Calzaghe at light-heavyweight? I’ll do a 50-50 split.

“But whatever happens, I will look back on my career with great satisfaction. I will be a very happy man every time my head hits the pillow.

“I have a fantastic family. I have my health and I’m financially healthy and that’s great.”